How To Remove Smell From Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re searching for “How To Remove Smell From Mattress,” you’re usually dealing with one of three things: a new mattress odor, lingering sweat or body smells, or a specific spill or accident. This FAQ-style guide walks through what those smells mean, how to tackle them safely, and when it might be time to consider deeper cleaning.

Why does my mattress smell in the first place?

Mattress odors usually come from one or more of these sources:

New mattress smells: Many mattresses have a temporary “new” or chemical-like scent when first unwrapped. This is often from materials and manufacturing.
Body oils, sweat, and skin cells: Over time, these can create a musty or stale smell, especially if you sleep hot or don’t use a protector.
Spills and accidents: Drinks, food, urine, and other liquids can soak into the comfort layers and cause persistent odors.
Humidity and poor ventilation: A mattress that stays damp or is kept in a poorly ventilated room may develop a musty or “closed up” smell.

Understanding the source helps you decide how to remove smell from mattress effectively instead of just trying to cover it up.

How To Remove Smell From Mattress: Where should I start?

Before you reach for cleaners, do a quick reset:

Strip all bedding – Remove sheets, protectors, and covers that you can safely wash.
Air out the mattress – If possible, place it in a well-ventilated room, open a window, and let it breathe for several hours.
Vacuum the surface – Use a clean upholstery attachment to remove dust, hair, and debris from the top and sides.

These simple steps often reduce mild odors and prepare the mattress for deeper deodorizing.

What’s the safest way to deodorize my mattress at home?

For many everyday smells, a basic dry treatment is enough:

1. Use baking soda as a natural deodorizer

Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress surface.
Gently work it in with a soft brush or your hand so it reaches into the top layer of fabric.
Leave it on for at least a few hours; many people find it helpful to leave it on all day.
Vacuum thoroughly to remove all the powder.

Baking soda doesn’t fix stains or deep contamination, but it can help neutralize everyday odors and freshen the surface.

2. Let light and air do their work

If you can safely move your mattress or position it near a window:

Prop it up so air can circulate around it.
Indirect sunlight can help with freshening and drying the fabric surface.
Avoid prolonged, harsh direct sunlight on some foams or fabrics, since this can sometimes affect materials over time.

How do I remove smell from a mattress after spills or accidents?

When a liquid caused the odor, acting quickly gives you the best chance of success.

Step-by-step for fresh spills

Blot, don’t rub
- Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to soak up as much liquid as possible.
- Avoid scrubbing, which can push moisture deeper into the mattress.
Lightly clean the area
- Mix a small amount of mild soap with cool water.
- Dampen (don’t soak) a cloth with the solution and gently dab the surface.
- Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.
Deodorize the spot
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the damp area.
- Let it sit until completely dry, then vacuum.

For strong-smelling accidents (such as urine), many people use specialized fabric or enzyme cleaners designed for soft surfaces, following the label directions. Always test in a small, hidden area first.

How can I remove musty or “old” mattress smells?

Musty smells usually point to moisture, trapped sweat, or long-term buildup.

Start with a full vacuum and baking soda treatment over the entire mattress.
Flip or rotate the mattress if the design allows, so fresh air reaches different sides.
Ensure your bedroom is well ventilated and not excessively humid.
Consider using a washable mattress protector going forward to reduce new buildup.

If the mattress has visible mold, extensive moisture damage, or a very strong odor that doesn’t improve, it may be difficult to fully fix at home. In those situations, many people seek professional cleaning or reconsider using that mattress.

Is it safe to use vinegar, essential oils, or strong cleaners?

Many household products are often suggested for how to remove smell from mattress, but they come with trade-offs:

Vinegar: Can help with some odors but may leave its own scent and add moisture to the mattress. Use only lightly and avoid soaking.
Essential oils: They can mask odors but don’t solve the root cause. Oils may also stain fabrics.
Bleach or harsh chemicals: These can damage mattress materials, discolor fabrics, and leave strong chemical odors. They are usually not recommended directly on a mattress surface.

Whenever you try a new cleaner, spot-test a small hidden area first, use as little liquid as possible, and allow plenty of time to dry.

How do I keep smells from coming back?

Prevention is often easier than deep deodorizing. A few simple habits can help:

Use a washable mattress protector to shield against sweat and spills.
Wash sheets and bedding regularly.
Air out your mattress occasionally by removing bedding for a few hours.
Keep your bedroom dry and ventilated, especially in humid environments.
Address spills and accidents right away before they soak in.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about How To Remove Smell From Mattress:

Identify the source: New mattress, sweat, spills, or mustiness all need slightly different approaches.
Start simple: Strip bedding, air out the mattress, and vacuum before using any cleaners.
Baking soda is a go-to: It’s a common way to freshen everyday odors when used generously and vacuumed well.
Use minimal moisture: Mattresses are hard to dry completely, so use damp—not wet—cleaning methods.
Be cautious with strong products: Harsh chemicals and heavy fragrances can damage materials or just mask smells.
Prevention matters: Protectors, clean bedding, and good ventilation reduce future odors and buildup.

With steady, gentle care, most everyday mattress odors can be reduced or removed, helping your bed feel fresher and more comfortable over time.